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Wines like Tempranillo

Spain’s leading red variety, giving savoury, leather-and-cherry wines that are shaped as much by oak ageing as by the grape itself. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

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What do you like about Tempranillo?

Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.

I like…

The firm, grippy structure The vanilla and oak The savoury, meaty side

But it’s a bit…

too drying or too tannic too oaky or woody too peppery too earthy or musty too savoury or funky too austere

Clear all

What these words mean

The firm, grippy structure: High tannin — the drying grip on your gums, like over-brewed tea. It gives a red something to hold on to with rich food, and it is what lets a wine age.
The vanilla and oak: Vanilla, toast, coconut, sweet spice, sometimes smoke. It comes from the barrel rather than the grape, which is why the same grape can taste completely different with and without it.
The spice: Black pepper, clove, cinnamon. Some of it is the grape — the pepper in Syrah is a measured compound called rotundone — and some is the barrel.
The savoury, meaty side: Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
The earthy, mineral side: Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
That it is properly dry: No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.

Looking for something keeping the savoury, non-fruity character, the vanilla, toast and oak character and the firm tannic structure, while moving away from too austere.

Based on what you said

Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Has noticeably less of the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Keeps the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
About as austere as the wine you started from.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Keeps the savoury, non-fruity character.
Has noticeably less of the vanilla, toast and oak character.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has some of the savoury, non-fruity character, though less of it.
Has some of the vanilla, toast and oak character, though less of it.
Keeps the firm tannic structure.
Substantially less austere.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Change the structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Dão

Both are made from tempranillo.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Similar but lower in alcohol

Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.

Pinot Noir

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Red Burgundy

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir)

Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less spicy.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Rioja Crianza

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Valpolicella Ripasso

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and less oaky.

Carmenère

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Montefalco Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.

Aglianico

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and drier.

Similar but fresher

Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.

Sangiovese

curated

Both are savoury, cherry-fruited, food-oriented Mediterranean reds of medium to full body.

Expect: Higher acidity and firmer, grippier tannin, with tomato-leaf and herb notes in place of leather and vanilla.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

Red Bordeaux

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and broader and softer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Barossa Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Dalmatian Plavac Mali

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and drier.

The sparkling version

Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more fruit-driven.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and stiller.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Sagrantino

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Touriga Franca

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and less spicy.

Port

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more tannic and structured.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Saperavi

Saperavi scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and leaner and more cutting.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Syrah

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Nebbiolo

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Malbec

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Taurasi

Taurasi scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Touriga Franca

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more fruit-driven, and fruitier.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

Douro red

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Dão

Both are made from tempranillo.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Alentejo red

Both are made from tempranillo.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fuller and richer.

Dão

Both are made from tempranillo.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less tannic and softer.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Douro red

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

Toro

Both are made from tempranillo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Port

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

A safe next step

Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.

Rioja

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Rioja Reserva

Both are made from tempranillo, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

A better-value alternative

Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.

Pinotage

The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more fruit-driven.

Sagrantino

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less spicy.

Touriga Nacional

curated

A blending partner in Portugal, sharing dark fruit and structure.

Expect: More floral, more concentrated and considerably more tannic.

Saperavi

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and drier.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero

Both are made from tempranillo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Amarone della Valpolicella

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.

Priorat

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more tannic and structured.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape scores closest to Tempranillo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.